THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While considering the review petition in the relief fund misappropriation case yesterday, the Lokayukta clarified that they are not the people who make or do not make an order because of fear of someone.

"The decision cannot be imposed on the accused. The case will not get affected just because the petitioner criticized it. We do not fear or favor. Judges cannot speak with a microphone or in front of the media. Since Good Friday is over, let me say one thing, Lord, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'- Lokayukta said.

Relevant parts of the argument

George Poonthottam:

There is a ruling by the full bench that Lokayukta can decide on the petition challenging the cabinet decision. Unfortunately, it was not mentioned in the judgment in the Relief Fund case.

Lokayukta:

Why should that be mentioned in the judgment? All arguments can be laid out and evidence can be examined when the Full Bench considers it.

Upalokayukta:

The rule is that if there is a difference of opinion between two judges, it should be left to a three-judge bench. It is not necessary to clarify what each one's opinion is.

George Poonthottam:

The investigation of this case has already been completed.

Lokayukta:

No. A decision will be taken only after examining the evidence, documents, and our opinions. No final decision has been reached yet. The petition was not left to a third judge. It is a three-member bench consisting of both of us. The soundness of the petition was not questioned in the order.

George Poonthottam:

Didn't the two judges understand the case a year back.

Upalokayukta: The order was not deliberately delayed by one year. This is not a historical judgment. In the Supreme Court and the High Court, judgments have come one or two years after the hearing. This is a historical 'review' petition. So far no one has filed a review petition against a reference order.

George Poonthottam:

The petition seeks to set aside the order of the two-judge bench

Lokayukta:

The review petition is dismissed as the arguments are baseless and weak

George Poonthottam:

An appeal will be filed at High Court

Lokayukta:

They do not know what they are doing.